Christian Help celebrating 18 years of service

PAMELA SCOTT JOHNSON Staff Writer

March 19, 2013

Rachel Dove-Baldwin

Staff Writer

KERMIT – Christian Help, a charity organization based in Kermit is celebrating its eighteenth year of service to the citizens of Mingo County and Martin County, Ky. They have provided a wealth of assistance that has greatly benefited those in need.

Desiring to serve the communities on the border of Kentucky and West Virginia, Christian Help began its outreach program in 1994 in a building in Kermit. Working closely with local businesses, volunteers and other organizations, Christian Help has been able to provide numerous programs for the surrounding communities. In addition to running a free clothing store three days a week, the organization also provides free transportation services, taking participants to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and to visit family members. They also provide energy and medical assistance, and run two popular holiday basket programs, which serve 300 children and 160 families during Christmas and distribute 120 Easter baskets.

Christian Help’s presence in the county, has made a huge impact on the lives of countless peoples. As Mingo County resident Patti Fields described, “Had it not been for Christian Help being here, I probably wouldn’t have survived.”

Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden has expressed his admiration for those who have remained dedicated to the program throughout the last 18 years, saying that he has never met a finer group of people in his lifetime than these very special ladies.

“I truly do not know what the citizens of Mingo County would do without Christian help, especially those who live in the lower end of the county, in the Kermit, Marrowbone, Breeden and Dingess areas,” stated Baisden. “They have stepped forward and provided help to more families than we could ever count. Children who would not otherwise have Christmas presents woke up to gifts under their tree and enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner; families who have lost their homes to fires, floods and other reasons were given items they needed to have a fresh start…the list goes on and on. Their generosity and commitment to our county is unmatched by any other.”

Christian Help is able to provide these services through the generous support of time and resources by numerous individuals; particularly local volunteers. There are many ways you could help make sure these valuable services continue to be successful and serve the families of Martin and Mingo Counties for years to come. If you would like to donate your time, resources, or help in another way, please contact Christian Help by emailing them at tcarew@christianhelpmingo.org, or by calling 304-393-4251. You are also invited to visit their Facebook page.

Christian Help is a participant in Christian Appalachian Project’s Nonprofit Alliance. The program brings small grassroots nonprofit organizations together to strengthen southern West Virginia’s communities. For more information about the Alliance, contact Nicholas Galiardo at 606-792-8109, or email him at ngaliardo@chrisapp.org.